What is it about evenings?  Have you ever noticed that between the hours of dinner-time and bedtime, we all need a little soothing? 

In fact, I think many of us may numb ourselves during this time with TV, internet, food or alcohol.  Even our kids get cranky at this time!  When my children were babies, my good friend, Yvette, would reassure me that all babies experience a ‘witching hour,’ the time when nothing will calm them.

Feeling a Bit Weary

I imagine that by evening, we are beginning to feel a bit fragile after another intense day of being in the world.  Probably our energy is low, too, and we may need to rest and refuel earlier than we think. 

But I believe there’s also something else about the end of the day that leaves us wanting.  When we return home, we can sometimes be reminded of the inevitable incompleteness of our lives. 

We are faced with flawed and imperfect partners and children; we must deal with a house full of demands; and, perhaps, our optimism for the day is a bit dashed.  Thus, during this time period we may distract ourselves from our lives.

Healthy Coping?

This sort of distraction is probably a necessary and helpful coping mechanism.  If, however, the distraction becomes a compulsion, there may be an opportunity for growth and healing.

Compulsions take us away from the present moment.  If this is repeated, we lose touch with ourselves and our lives. 

Awareness is the cure. 

Acknowledging life’s imperfections and doing nothing – not blaming yourself or others, not numbing yourself – can free you from compulsive behavior.  Through this awareness you can learn to recognize what in your life sustains you and what exhausts you.  And you can begin to ‘feed your life’ by pursuing that which nurtures you – physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Reflection

Do you notice any of these tendencies in your life?  How do you acknowledge life’s disappointments and feel your feelings?  Are you able to stay present to your pain and ride your awareness to a higher level of functioning and a more satisfactory life?  I would love to hear your stories in the comment section below.

Sara Armstrong is the owner of Zoi Wellness Consulting. In addition to wellness coaching, Sara specializes in health education seminars, diabetes prevention and management, Health for EVERY Body, and worksite wellness design. You can email Sara for a free wellness consultation at sara@zoiconsulting.com.